Adopt a Family

Presents that were donated for the Adopt a Family event.

Each holiday season, the Office of Community Relations coordinates a university-wide initiative that offers departments on campus the opportunity to brighten the holidays for families in need throughout the Western New York community.

On this page:

About the drive

We work with community organizations and partners to nominate dozens of needy families throughout Western New York for the University Adopt-a-Family program. Our office also reaches out to interested campus departments who wish to commit to sponsoring these needy families. The outpouring of campus support for families in our community has been immense, with steady growth of the program each year, and more than 35 departments participating this year.

Important dates

Mid-October: UB departments are contacted to confirm participation and family nominations are solicited from community partners

Mid-November: Departments are notified of their matched family and wish list

Mid-December: Gifts are due to the Community Relations office for wrapping and sorting

Late December: Gift pick up day and holiday party for drive participants

Wish lists

Departments are provided with wish lists from the family, as well the ages and genders of family members to guide them in their holiday shopping. Past gifts range from from toys for children, to clothes and needed household items.

Interested in participating?

UB offices and departments of any size are invited to adopt a family. We make sure to match departments with an appropriately sized family.

Community organizations and non-profits are encouraged to contact our office for our nomination form and more information.

CAMPUS NEWS

Our Impact

UB is working with state, city and community-based groups and organizations to develop new programs that expand upon the university’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life in the neighborhoods surrounding the South Campus.

A house is now a home for UB staff member David Youhess, thanks to UB H.O.M.E. (Home Ownership Made Easy), a program that offers interest-free deferred loans to university employees who buy homes in the neighborhoods around the South Campus.

Tis the season, and the UB community has come together again to make the holidays merrier for more than 40 families in need — as well as residents and clients of Gateway Longview — thanks to the annual Adopt-A-Family program sponsored by UB’s Office of Community Relations.